1986 New York Mets World Series Owner's Trophy

It's probably fair to say, given their rarity, that few collectors have ever even seen a World Series owner's trophy in person. If they had, they certainly would never forget it, for few, if any, presentation awards in the field of sports can compare with it in terms of visual appeal. Offered here is an extremely desirable Owner's Trophy commemorating the Mets' historic 1986 World Championship. The design of the trophy is identical to those given to the players, the only difference is scale. Measuring over two feet in height and thirteen inches in diameter, the owner's trophy is nearly twice as tall (and therefore far more than double in overall size, much larger than double the size of the traditional smaller trophies in terms of volume), with most of the other components proportionately large as well. Mounted along the perimeter of the black base is an array of stanchions with flags bearing the names of all the Major League teams, the highest one rising 21 inches. A gold-colored band encircling the base is lettered "World Series Champions-New York Mets-1986" on the front, and "Copyright - 1983 Commissioner of Baseball" on the reverse. Standing in the center of the base is a gold crown mounted on an arc above a silver ball. Displayed in front of the crown are examples of the 1986 World Series press pins for the Mets and Red Sox. Unlike the standard-size World Series trophies, which are issued to players, coaches, and front office executives, only a very limited number of owner's trophies are produced each year. Normally the team owner or owners get one and another is ordered for display in the team's office. According to our consignor, this is one of only three New York Mets owner's trophies ordered by the club to commemorate its 1986 World Championship. The 1986 World Series is one of the most memorable on record, highlighted by the Mets dramatic come-from-behind win in Game 6. In that game the Mets trailed the Red Sox by two runs in the bottom of the tenth inning and were down to their last out, with no men on base. But a single by Gary Carter began an improbable rally that culminated with Bill Buckner's error on Mookie Wilson's ground ball, which allowed the winning run to score. With momentum, and fate, on their side, the Mets went on to defeat Boston in Game 7 to capture their second World Championship in franchise history. Because of their significance, value (they are extremely expensive to produce), and limited production numbers and distribution each year, very few World Series owner's trophies have ever been offered for public sale. This is one of only a few examples from any team that has ever been available at public auction, and it is one of the most desirable years and teams for such a trophy in the history of the game. This extraordinary trophy would certainly be numbered among the highlights of even the most advanced collection. Aside from some minor tarnishing along the gold-colored band and to a few of the flags, the trophy is in Near Mint condition. Weight: 30 pounds. Please Note: Due to the size and/or weight of this lot, shipping costs (depending on where it is sent and its method of shipping) may be substantial. Reserve $10,000. Estimate (open). SOLD FOR $32,313

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